Waterfront locations: Future Science City Waterfront Park, Chunhui Garden, Wenyu He Park (Chaoyang Garden), Art Museum
Wenyu He is a source of the North Canal in the Haihe He basin, located in the northeastern part of Beijing, originating from the foothills of Jundu Mountain in Changping District. The upper reaches are formed by the convergence of three tributaries: Dongsha He, Beisha He, and Nansha He, flowing through the districts of Changping, Shunyi, Chaoyang, and Tongzhou.
Historically, Wenyu He was vital for navigation, with its significance tracing back to the Han Dynasty. During the Yuan Dynasty, the water conservancy scholar Guo Shoujing proposed a plan to divert water from the numerous springs of Wenyu He to facilitate transportation, solving the long-standing issues of grain and water supply in the capital. By the Ming Dynasty, Wenyu He had become a crucial route for transporting large quantities of construction materials and military supplies to the Ming Tombs. Throughout various dynasties, Wenyu He served not only as an important transportation artery but also provided clean water for royal palaces, gardens, and lakes.
Wenyu He Park is the largest urban park currently under construction in Beijing and serves as the city's biggest "green lung". The completed and opened Wenyu He Park Chaoyang Garden quickly became a popular spot, earning the title of a trending check-in location in Beijing in 2020. Entering through Gate 9 of Wenyu He Park, you will easily find the Langkun Zizai Bookhouse, which features expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows and outdoor seating that are highly sought after. Setting up tents, hanging hammocks, and bringing picnic carts into the park are all allowed, making it a family-friendly environment where children can ride balance bikes and scooters.
The park's main pathways are lined with red walking trails, while the hillside paths are marked with blue walking trails, adorned with a variety of flowers along the way. If you're looking for a high vantage point, the Fengming Terrace at the summit won't disappoint.
From Fengming Terrace to Qin Lake, carefully designed paths create a natural woodland effect. Near Qin Lake, there's a mini observation platform that allows visitors to enjoy views of the lake from above.
These are just some highlights; the eastern and western sections of Wenyu He Park are connected by walking paths, featuring ten main attractions worth exploring. Each offers a unique experience for leisurely strolls and thoughtful exploration.
The greenway along the Wenyu He is designed to run alongside the He, starting from the Shshezha Reservoir in the west and extending to the Lutongzha south of Beiqijia Bridge in the east, passing through the districts of Changping, Shunyi, Chaoyang, and Tongzhou. It focuses on Heside landscapes, floral greenery, and cycling activities.
The wide pathways along the Wenyu He are perfect for cycling, and the flowers lining the trails provide the most picturesque views on this journey, featuring a variety of plants such as irises, daylilies, February orchids, Persian daisies, peach blossoms, crabapples, cherry blossoms, forsythia, and more. If you need a break, there are benches and scenic overlooks along the water for rest and refreshment.
Located in Changping District's Beiqijia Town, the Future Science City Waterfront Park is traversed by the Wenyu He. This park features expansive lawns, towering poplar forests, walking paths, boardwalks, and wetland areas. The park has a strong ecological vibe while incorporating numerous technological elements, inviting visitors to explore thoroughly. From within the park, you can also enjoy distant views of two elegant white bridges, making it a perfect spot for photography at different times of the day.
After enjoying the beautiful scenery at Wenyu He Park, you can head to the nearby Hot Spring Resort at Chunhui Garden for a more thorough relaxation experience. This Japanese-style hot spring hotel, located by the He, offers dining, accommodation, and leisure activities, with 473 rooms, each equipped with unique hot spring baths. Choose a weekend to bring family and friends for a rejuvenating soak.
Additionally, there's the Art Museum. Nestled beside Wenyu He Road, this minimalist white building stands out with its carefully maintained pine trees. The juxtaposition of traditional architecture at both ends with the simple contemporary structure in the center creates a harmonious visual effect, while 199 pine trees unfold like a scroll against the backdrop of a white wall. Visiting the Art Museum allows you to deeply appreciate the significance of "Liubai" in Chinese art and aesthetics, which may inspire further contemplation and artistic imagination.
